Discovering Point Judith

This idyllic village alongside Narragansett Bay is one of the state’s best-kept secrets.

By John Torsiello

If you like charm, you’ll love Point Judith. The small peninsula that juts into Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay is a quaint village that could be called a hidden gem. It’s not because the locals don’t know about it, but instead due to the fact that many visitors often drive past this sweet piece of the state on their way to more glamorous destinations like Watch Hill and Newport.

Napatree Point, Westerly | Photo by Joe Brust Photo

Here’s a secret: Point Judith has several of the best beaches in the state, including Roger W. Wheeler and Scarborough, several outstanding restaurants and is within close proximity to superb golf courses.

There is plenty to see and do on a golf vacation to Point Judith. You could visit Point Judith Light, which was built in 1810 and is still maintained as an active lighthouse by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are stunning ocean vistas and very affordable lodging. But let’s rst talk about where you can swing the sticks.

The nine-hole, par-3 Rose Hill Golf Club is a cool way to spend a few hours on a warm spring day. Bent-grass greens provide the “true roll,” and there are strategically placed bunkers situated all across the layout.

Rose Hill Golf Club’s open vista, with its rolling mounds and a scenic pond, provide a relaxing and challenging round. The course is open to all, and the clubhouse offers golf apparel, snacks, beverages and indoor/outdoor sitting areas.

Meadow Brook Golf Club, Richmond Country Club and Laurel Lane Country Club, three superb courses, are only 30 minutes from Point Judith.

Meadow Brook Golf Club, Richmond | Photo by Mark William Paul Photo

Laurel Lane is a well-maintained, par-71, 6,128-yard layout located in West Kingston. The track has relatively few bunkers and is a splendid place for all skill levels. The challenges arrive on the rst tee with a 412-yard par 4, followed by a 482-yard par 5 that tempts players to go for the green in two and a dif cult 189-yard par 3. The back nine features several short par-4 holes where birdie awaits, and an interesting, 548-yard par 5 to complete the round.

Meadow Brook in Richmond sits on the site of a former nine-hole layout that Roger Rulewich and David Fleury transformed into a ne 18- hole daily fee course that rivals some of the best in New England. The course is lled with well-designed holes and keeps you interested for the entire round. The 18th is superb, requiring a tee shot that avoids a pond on the left and leaves a tough shot over the water to a slightly elevated green. A wiser option is to hit 3-wood to the right, which leaves a mid-iron approach.

Not far from Meadow Brook is Richmond Country Club, located in a pine forest that is reminiscent of playing in the Carolinas. The majestic pines frame each hole and place a premium on accurate tee shots. It’s not a particularly long course from the member’s tees, but it can be stretch out to almost 6,900 yards from the tips.

Do not decline if you are fortunate enough to merit an invitation to Point Judith Country Club. This is a special private course. Designed by Donald Ross, it was founded in 1895. The master weaved his layout over the softly rolling terrain, creating somewhat of a links feel. While not on the ocean, Point Judith is nearby and still susceptible to the vagaries of ocean weather, including the shifting winds.

The peaceful waterfront of Point Judith | Photo by Sand Hill Cove Photogrpahy

For après golf, check out local favorites Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House for fried clams and dough treats. Aunt Carrie’s is a cozy place to lounge after a round and has some of the best clam cakes and desserts in the area. For a more informal spot to dine, savor the ocean views at the 1230 Ocean Bistro.

Lodging options include The Break, which has an outdoor pool, and bed-and-breakfast spots such as the Eden Manor, the Ocean Rose Inn and the Castle Hill Inn.

Of course, you are never far from saltwater in Rhode Island, and offshore shing trips or a day excursion to Block Island is always a nice way to break up the golf.

Golf, sweet digs, relaxing beaches and sumptuous seafood. It all waits in cozy Point Judith.

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